I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 14z (5423) and the hard drive went bad a few weeks ago, I was sent a new one from Dell with a factory image already installed, but it was corrupted. I am now looking to do a clean install of Windows 8, but after attempting to install it back in SATA - ACHI and Legacy Rom boot mode (per Dell technician's instructions), I get error code at Dell splash screen "Start PXE over ipv4." when my ethernet cable is plugged in. I then tried installing Windows 8 in SATA - Intel Smart Response Technology and Secure boot mode on (Legacy Rom boot off), and when Windows 8 Install DVD loads I keep getting the error:

Note: If the Windows installation media is in the CD/DVD Drive, you can safely remove it for this step."

I was finally able to re-install Windows 8 in SATA - ACHI and Secure boot mode on (Legacy Rom boot off), but after I did I set my system back to SATA - Intel Smart Response Technology mode and Windows 8 crashes! I simply want to reformat my PC back to factory default settings and after doing some research it seems the only way to do this is to install Windows 8 while in SATA - Intel Smart Response Technology mode, but in order to do so I need the correct drivers it's requesting. I already tried updating my BIOS to latest version (A10), and downloading latest Intel Smart Response Technology drivers from Dell website, extracting them to USB flash drive, and trying to install them during Windows 8 install, but it keeps saying I'm using incorrect drivers. I need help!!!

It can be annoying while the Windows installation fails. The installation process will detect the hard drives when you set the SATA Operation in BIOS to AHCI. After installation, install the IRST application. Change the SATA Operation to Intel Smart Response Technology mode and enable acceleration from the application.

Yes Indeed, the HDD is getting detected only when the SATA Operation is set to AHCI and i'm able to re-install the Operating System Successfully. I installed the IRST drivers as well. But when i again change the SATA Operation in BIOS to Intel Smart Response, the Laptop fails to Boot crashing. The only way the laptop boots is when the SATA Operation is set to AHCI. Please do note, i'm unable to accelerate my SSD in AHCI mode. Unable to do Operating System re-installation When the Intel Smart Response is Enabled in BIOS as the Primary HDD is not getting detected.

Need help in re-installing the Operating System, as i have the same model laptop (5423) and OS crashed. i want to do OS re-installation and wants to use my SSD as Cache for acceleration purpose. Please help!!!